After a fuel spill was recently discovered in the vicinity of Shedden Road, close to the Rubis gas station and the former site of a garage, Water Authority – Cayman has been closely involved in the review of the impacts on groundwater and the risks to the public water supply in the area. Investigations are currently ongoing.

The Water Authority is currently working with several other Government organisations, Rubis, the property owner, and local and overseas consultants to investigate the situation. Currently, the source of the spill is unknown. While it has been determined that the fuel spill did not come from the current gas station operations, Rubis has taken the initiative to contract Arcadis, an overseas consultant with expertise in environmental assessment and remediation, to consult on the matter.

During the course of the investigation, the Authority determined that the water service pipelines to two properties may have been directly exposed to the fuel spill and collected relevant samples. These samples were sent to an accredited laboratory in Florida for expedited testing for fuel-related contaminants and the results were received on Thursday, 28 April.

The samples indicated the presence of fuel-related contaminants in the water supply to one property, whereas the water supply to the other property was found to be within acceptable limits as per the World Health Organisation Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality.

Based on these results, the Authority advised the customer of the affected property that the water was not suitable for potable purposes, such as drinking or cooking. The customer immediately complied with the Authority’s advisory.

 Water Resources Engineer Hendrik-Jan van Genderen explained that cursory inspections of all water meters within a 500 foot radius of the fuel spill were conducted and no further contamination was discovered in the public water supply.

“This is an ongoing investigation and the Authority’s first step was to identify those most affected by the spill and to notify them of any potential danger,” Mr. van Genderen said. “The Authority will continue to monitor the situation and conduct further testing.”

Groundwater

Groundwater wells in the area were also inspected by the Authority, and residents and businesses were interviewed to determine whether they use groundwater for potable purposes. Notices were distributed to all residents and businesses in the area informing them not to use groundwater for potable purposes until further notice.

“Although no contamination has been discovered in the groundwater wells inspected, the Authority is advising those in the vicinity not to use groundwater for drinking or cooking purposes until the extent of the spill has been determined,” Mr. van Genderen said.

Public Water Supply

Water Authority Director Dr. Gelia Frederick-van Genderen noted that the incident is isolated and that the Authority’s water production facilities and distribution network are not affected.

“The nature of the situation is such that only the pipes that came into direct contact with the fuel spill are at risk of being compromised at the molecular level,” she explained. “The Authority’s ability to produce clean, potable water has not been compromised and neither has its distribution network. This is a case of site-specific contamination.”

It is important for residents and businesses in the area to note that, unless they have been contacted directly by the Authority, the public water supply to their properties is safe to use for potable purposes.

Fuel Spills in the Cayman Islands

Dr. Frederick-van Genderen also noted that the Authority has had experience dealing with similar issues over the years.

“Unfortunately fuel spills do occur, and it is part of the Authority’s mission to ensure that these spills do not negatively impact the public and environmental health of our islands,” she said.

Dr. Frederick-van Genderen also noted that all other parties involved in the ongoing investigation have been working diligently to investigate and resolve the situation.

“This has been a highly organised group effort and I commend each of the individuals involved thus far for their commitment,” she said.

Mr. van Genderen said that this incident should serve as an important reminder to all businesses and individuals about the importance of disposing of potentially hazardous substances according to the standards outlined by the Department of Environmental Health.

“Though we do not know the source of the spill yet, the reality is that improper disposal of hazardous chemicals at any level is a threat to public safety and environmental health,” he said. “Substances like fuel and oil must be disposed of properly or you risk the health of your family, your neighbours, and the community in general.”

The Water Authority will continue to monitor the situation and keep residents in the area, as well as the general public, informed of ongoing developments.

For more information on the Water Authority, please visit www.waterauthority.ky.

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The Water Authority is the statutory body responsible for the management of water and wastewater in the Cayman Islands. The Administrative Headquarters is located at 13G Red Gate Road, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

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